Method and Instrument for Removing Scratch-Off Coatings

ABSTRACT

An instrument and method for the removal of a scratch-off coating of a scratch-off card or device utilizes a barrel having a hollow interior and an exterior configured for grasping in the hand. A solvent capable of dissolving the scratch-off coating upon contact therewith is contained within the interior of the barrel. A nib is coupled to and extending from the barrel and is in fluid communication with the solvent within the interior of the barrel. The nib is configured for delivering an amount of solvent to an exposed tip of the nib sufficient to dissolve the scratch-off coating when applied thereon. By contacting the nib of the instrument to a scratch-off coating of a scratch-off card or device, the nib delivers an amount of solvent to the exposed tip of the nib to dissolve the scratch-off coating to reveal an underlying substrate of the card or device without forming numerous particles or loose portions of the removed coating.

BACKGROUND

Scratch-off cards and devices such as those used for lottery games,contests and other uses, are typically provided with a substrate that iscoated with a scratch-off coating. The scratch-off coating may be opaqueto hide or cover the underlying substrate. Images, data or otherindicia, which may be printed or otherwise formed on the substrate,typically underlie the scratch-off coating and remain hidden from viewuntil the scratch-off coating is removed. The scratch-off coating isremoved by mechanical means, such as with a coin or other hard object,by scratching or scraping the coating from the substrate to reveal theunderlying surface. When the coating is removed in this manner, smallamounts of the removed coating, in the form of particles or “crumbs” areusually scattered across the surface of the scratch-off device and/orthe surrounding area. The particles usually must be brushed or blownaway to remove them from the card or device. In certain instances theparticles or crumbs can soil one's clothes or the surrounding area,requiring further cleaning or brushing to remove them.

What is therefore needed is a device or method that can be used toremove the scratch-off coatings from various substrates that isconvenient and does not create the crumbs or particles that are createdwhen such scratch-off coatings are removed using conventionalscratch-off methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of instrument for use in removingscratch-off coatings in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 1 and ascratch-off device, wherein the instrument is being used to remove ascratch-off coating from the scratch-off device;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a scratch-off device with a portion of thescratch-off coating removed in accordance with a method of theinvention; and

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 4taken along the lines 5-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description and examples are presented herein solely for the purposeof illustrating the various embodiments of the invention and should notbe construed as a limitation to the scope and applicability of theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an instrument 10 for use in removing scratch-offcoatings of cards or other devices or substrates is shown. FIG. 2 showsan exploded view of the instrument 10. Although the instrument 10 isshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in one configuration, other configurations may beused for the instrument, as well. The instrument 10 is configured muchlike a pen or marker and may include a cylindrical barrel 12. The barrel12 has a hollow interior and is configured for manually grasping in thehand. Although the barrel 12 is shown as a cylindrical body, othershapes or configurations may be used, as well. The barrel 12 may beformed in one or more sections, such as the sections 14 and 16, so thatthe interior of the barrel may be accessed during the manufacture orotherwise. Various materials may be used for the barrel, includingplastic, composites, metal, etc. In the embodiment shown, the sections14, 16 cooperate with one another so that they may be releasably orpermanently coupled together. As shown, the section 16 forms a forwardsection of the barrel 12 and is provided with a male portion 18 ofsmaller diameter that is closely received within the forward end of therear barrel section 14. Other cooperating configurations could be usedas well. For example, the barrel 12 may be formed as a single memberwith a separate seal or cap so that the interior of the barrel may beselectively accessed. The seal or cap may be releasably or permanentlycoupled to the barrel to temporarily or permanently close off theinterior of the barrel.

The interior of the barrel 12 serves as a reservoir for a solvent, whichis described in more detail later on. An absorbent filler material 20may be provided in the interior of the barrel 12 for absorbing thesolvent. The filler material may be a fibrous material and may beconfigured to fill the interior of the barrel 12.

A nib 22 formed from an absorbent material, such as compressed feltmaterial, has a rearward extending neck portion 24 that is receivedwithin a forward opening 26 of the barrel section 16. The nib 22 may beconfigured in various configurations to cooperate with the configurationof the barrel 12 with which it is used. In the embodiment shown, thebarrel section 16 has a necked-down or frusto-conical portion 28 thattapers toward the forward opening 26 and has a cylindrical neck 29 thatdefines a central opening that terminates in the forward opening 26. Thecentral opening of the neck 29 closely receives the neck 24 of the nib22. A shoulder 31 may be provided on the nib 22 to engage the neck 29 toprevent further passage of the nib 22 through the forward opening 26.The neck portion 24 of the nib 22 that extends into and is received inthe barrel section 16 may penetrate into or otherwise be in contact withthe filler material 20 to facilitate communication of solvent within theinterior of the barrel 12 to a forward tip 30 of the nib 22, whichprojects out of the forward opening 26 of the barrel 12. In certainembodiments, the nib 22 may essentially form a seal or cap the barrelwith the opening through which the nib extends being the only opening ofthe barrel through which the interior of the barrel may be accessed,such as filling the interior of the barrel with solvent during itsmanufacture. This may allow the use of a unitary barrel withoutrequiring a separate seal, cap or barrel section, as describedpreviously.

The nib tip 30 may have various configurations. One suitableconfiguration is that of a chisel tip, such as those that are commonlyused on markers and the like, where the tip 30 is set at an anglerelative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument 10. Other shapes orconfigurations, such as square, rectangular, triangular, round, curved,conical, etc., may be used for the nib tip 30, as well. The nib tip 30may have a generally straight or flat contact point or surface tofacilitate contacting a flat surface during application of the solvent.The nib 22 may be formed from the same materials and in thoseconfigurations used in forming many conventional markers for deliveringink. The contact length of the tip 30 may be from about 1/16 inch to ¼of an inch or more. This facilitates coverage of a large surface areawhen applying the solvent. Additionally, the nib tip 30 may besubstantially black, gray, brown, dark blue, or another dark color sothat the tip 30 does not readily show stains or discoloration fromremoved scratch-off coating materials.

It should be noted in the description, if a numerical value ispresented, each numerical value should be read once as modified by theterm “about” (unless already expressly so modified), and then read againas not so modified unless otherwise indicated in context. Also, in thedescription, it should be understood that an amount range listed ordescribed as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intended that anyand every value within the range, including the end points, is to beconsidered as having been stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10”is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along thecontinuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific pointswithin the range, or even no point within the range, are explicitlyidentified or refer to, it is to be understood that the inventorappreciates and understands that any and all points within the range areto be considered to have been specified, and that inventor possesses theentire range and all points within the range.

A cap or tip cover 32 may be provided with the instrument 10. The cap ortip cover may be made of the same or different materials as those usedfor the barrel 12. The tip cover 32 releasably couples to the barrel 12to selectively cover and enclose the exposed nib tip 30. This preventsinadvertent contact of the nib with articles when not in use and alsofacilitates prevention of drying of the nib or evaporation of thesolvent. The tip cover 32 may closely receive and secure around theexterior of the barrel 12 and be frictionally held thereon. The cap 32may also be a screw-on cap with internal/external helical threads (notshown) that engage corresponding external/internal helical threads (notshown) of the barrel 12. Alternatively, the cover 32 may be secured tothe barrel 12 via a “snap fit” wherein an outwardly projecting member(not shown), such as an outwardly projecting ring or collar, and acorresponding recess (not shown) is provided on the interior or exteriorsurface of the cover 32 and exterior or interior of the barrel 12, suchthat when the cover 32 is slid over the nib tip 30 and the forward endof the barrel 12, the projecting member is received within the recess toreleasably lock the tip cover or cap 32 in place. Additionally, the tipcover 32 may be configured to secure to the rearward end of the barrel32, to store the cap 32 while the cap 32 is removed to expose the nibtip 30, as shown in FIG. 3.

In the embodiment shown, an interior collar 34 is provided within theinterior of the cap 32. The collar 34 is configured to receive the nibtip 30 and the exterior of the neck 29. A outwardly projecting member(not shown), such as a ring, and corresponding recess (not shown) may beprovided on the collar 34 and neck 29 to secure the cap 32 to the barrel12 for a snap or locking engagement.

An optional pocket clip 36 may be provided on the cap 32 or elsewhere onthe instrument to facilitate securing the instrument 10 to one's pocketor other article. A chain or lanyard 38 may also be provided in the cap32 or barrel 12, which may be provided with an aperture 40 for receivingand securing the chain or lanyard 38 to the instrument 10.

Indicia 42 may be provided on the instrument 10. The indicia (e.g.letters, numbers, images, etc.) may be printed on the exterior ofportions of the instrument, such as the barrel 12. It may be provided inthe form of visually perceptible raised or recessed indicia formed intothe surface of the instrument. The indicia 42 may provide an indicationor suggestion of the usage of the instrument as being useful in removingthe opaque coatings of scratch-off coatings. This may include anindication or suggestion that the instrument 10 is useful in playing oflotteries or other games of chance, which typically employ scratch-offdevices. Surface decoration may also be provided on the instrument.Additionally, small decorative articles, objects, or particles (e.g.glitter, etc.), may be embedded or incorporated in the material of theinstrument 10 itself, such as in the barrel or cap. These may be blendedor molded with the resin or plastic material forming the instrumentcomponents.

FIGS. 3-5 show an example of a scratch-off card or device 44 having ascratch-off coating 46 provided on the surface of an underlyingsubstrate 48. The scratch-off coatings may be formed from various resinsor lacquers, such as an acrylic resin, having opaque materials, such ascarbon black or aluminum paste, dispersed therein. The opaque resin orcoating is applied to a substrate and forms a scratch-off film orcoating on the substrate. The scratch-coating may have printed indiciaformed over it. Visible printing 50 (FIG. 4) may provided on the surfaceof the coating 46. Printed indicia 52 may also be provided on thesurface of the underlying substrate 48. Examples of various scratch-offdevices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,544,881; 6,443,494; 6,752,319and 7,029,754, which are each incorporated herein by reference.

The solvent used with the instrument 10 may be any solvent that iscapable of dissolving the scratch-off coatings typically used withscratch-off cards and other devices. In particular, the solvent may beof a quality or of at a strength such that the scratch-off coating isremoved or sufficiently dissolved when applied thereon without removingany underlying printing on the surface of the substrate 48.Additionally, the solvent may have a sufficiently high vapor pressure sothat it readily evaporates at atmospheric conditions withoutsignificantly saturating the device 44 or its components. Examples ofsuitable solvents include acetone, tetrahydrofuran, methanol, ethanol,cyclohexane, xylene, toluene, cresol, isopropanol, n-propanol, butanol,a glycol ether, dimethyl ketone, a phenol, valeraldehyde, mesityl oxide,methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), 2-pyrrolidinone, diethyl acetyl, andcombinations of these. Other solvents may be used as well in variousamounts. Those solvents described in U.S. Patent Publication No.US2002/0030181A1, which is herein incorporated by reference, may be usedas the solvent. Dyes may be used with the solvent provided they do notcover or obscure the substrate when applied thereon. In most embodimentsthe solvent used is substantially clear and colorless and does notcontain any ink or dye so that it does not interfere with covering orobscuring the surface of the substrate underlying the removedscratch-off coating.

In use, the instrument 10 containing the scratch-off solvent is usedmuch like a pen or marker. The nib 22 may be configured to deliver onlya limited amount of solvent during use such that it does not pool orprovide an excessive amount of solvent that may damage the substrate orprinting thereon. By applying the nib tip 30 to the scratch-off coating46, as shown in FIG. 3, the scratch-off coating is dissolved andeffectively removed from the surface of the substrate 48. By moving thenib tip 30 from side to side over the substrate, the dissolvedscratch-off coating is pushed aside and consolidated without formingnumerous loose particles or loose portions of the scratch-off coating,as occurs using mechanical scratch-off methods. This reveals theunderlying substrate 48 and any printing, such as the printing 52, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The instrument 10 may be provided in a manner that is indicative orsuggestive of its use in removing scratch-off coatings. This may includeproviding indicia on the instrument itself or on labels or packagingsupplied with the instrument. Alternatively, or in addition, theindication or suggestion of its use may be provided by providing theinstrument in proximity to a scratch-off card or device or toadvertising for the scratch-off card or device. Thus, the instrument maybe provided within a few inches to within two or three feet from thescratch-off device or advertising for the scratch-off device such thatit is readily apparent from the context that the instrument may be usedfor the scratch-off device. A display for the scratch-off devices oradvertising for the scratch-off devices may also be supplied with acontainer or other holding means for holding the instruments, such thatthe indication or suggestion of use is provided.

While the invention has been shown in only some of its forms, it shouldbe apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, butis susceptible to various changes and modifications without departingfrom the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is appropriate that theappended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with thescope of the invention.

1. A method for removing of a scratch-off coating of a scratch-off card or device, the method comprising: providing a handheld scratch-off removal instrument comprising: a barrel having a hollow interior and an exterior configured for grasping in the hand; a solvent capable of dissolving the scratch-off coating upon contact therewith contained within the interior of the barrel; and a nib coupled to and extending from the barrel, the nib being in fluid communication with the solvent within the interior of the barrel and having an exposed tip; and contacting the nib of the instrument to a scratch-off coating of a scratch-off card or device so that the nib delivers an amount of solvent to the exposed tip of the nib to dissolve the scratch-off coating to reveal an underlying substrate of the card or device without forming numerous particles or loose portions of the removed coating.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein: providing an indication or suggestion in connection with the instrument that said instrument is useful for the removal of the opaque coating of a scratch-off card or device.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein: providing the indication or suggestion of use includes providing indicia on the instrument.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein: wherein providing the indication or suggestion of use includes displaying the instrument in proximity to at least one of a scratch-off card or device or advertising for the scratch-off card or device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the solvent is substantially colorless.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein: providing a handheld scratch-off removal instrument further comprises providing a tip cover that couples to the barrel for selectively covering and uncovering the exposed tip of the nib.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein: the exposed tip of the nib is configured as a chisel tip.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein: the tip of the nib is at least one of substantially black, gray, brown, dark blue or other color that facilitates hiding of stains or discoloration.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein: the solvent is an organic solvent.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein: the solvent is selected from at least of acetone, tetrahydrofuran, methanol, ethanol, cyclohexane, xylene, toluene, cresol, isopropanol, n-propanol, butanol, a glycol ether, dimethyl ketone, a phenol, valeraldehyde, mesityl oxide, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), 2-pyrrolidinone, diethyl acetyl, and combinations of these.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein: providing a handheld scratch-off removal instrument further comprises providing a filler material disposed within the interior of the barrel for absorbing the solvent contained within the interior of the barrel.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein: the scratch-off card or device is a lottery-game card or device.
 13. An instrument for removal of a scratch-off coating of a scratch-off card or device, the instrument comprising: a barrel having a hollow interior and an exterior configured for grasping in the hand; a substantially colorless solvent capable of dissolving the scratch-off coating upon contact therewith contained within the interior of the barrel; and a nib coupled to and extending from the barrel, the nib being in fluid communication with the solvent within the interior of the barrel and being capable of delivering an amount of solvent to an exposed tip of the nib sufficient to dissolve the scratch-off coating when applied thereon.
 14. The instrument of claim 13, further comprising: a tip cover that couples to the barrel for selectively covering and uncovering the exposed tip of the nib.
 15. The instrument of claim 13, further comprising: indicia formed on the instrument for indicating the use of the instrument.
 16. The instrument of claim 13, wherein: the exposed tip of the nib is configured as a chisel tip.
 17. The instrument of claim 13, wherein: the tip of the nib is at least one of substantially black, gray, brown, dark blue or other color that facilitates hiding of stains or discoloration.
 18. The instrument of claim 13, wherein: the solvent is an organic solvent.
 19. The instrument of claim 13, wherein: the solvent is selected from at least of acetone, tetrahydrofuran, methanol, ethanol, cyclohexane, xylene, toluene, cresol, isopropanol, n-propanol, butanol, a glycol ether, dimethyl ketone, a phenol, valeraldehyde, mesityl oxide, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), 2-pyrrolidinone, diethyl acetyl, and combinations of these.
 20. The instrument of claim 13, further comprising: a filler material disposed within the interior of the barrel for absorbing the solvent contained within the interior of the barrel. 